BitcoinKE

The United States has seized nearly $500 million in cryptocurrency linked to Iran as part of an intensified economic pressure campaign, Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said describing the effort as pushing Tehran into a ‘crisis.’

Bessent said the seizures were carried out under ‘Operation Economic Fury,’ a broader U.S. strategy aimed at cutting off Iran’s access to financial networks and limiting its ability to move funds internationally.

MILESTONE | #Iran’s Move to Charge Strait of Hormuz #Crypto Tolls a ‘Significant Milestone’ for State Level Adoption, Says @chainalysis

From petro-dollar to petro-crypto

Iran’s reported move to charge crypto tolls on ships passing through the #StraitofHormuz marks a major…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 11, 2026

Part of the frozen funds were in USDT when Tether froze over $340 million in coordiation with the  U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and U.S. law enforcement agencies in one of the largest enforcement actions involving the cryptocurrency to date.

 

MILESTONE | Tether Freezes Over $300 Million in USDT – The Largest on Record – in Coordination with U.S Law Enforcement

 

Under a maximum economic pressure campaign, Washington has been targeting digital wallets and financial channels tied to Iran, part of a wider sanctions regime designed to curb revenue streams linked to the government.

The campaign reportedly began in March 2025 leading to the collapse of the nation’s largest bank and massive inflation that saw the currency down by about 60-70% against the U.S dollar.

In early April 2026, Secretary Bessent revealed how they engineered the Iran Protests in early 2026 creating a dollar shortage in the country in order to drive the Iranian currency into free fall.

Weaponizing the #Dollar |

U.S Treasury Secretary reveals how they engineered the #IranProtests:

“We created a #dollar shortage in the country.

The Iranian currency went into free fall, inflation exploded, hence we saw the #Iranian people out on the streets.”

We will… pic.twitter.com/nGOzk2Rotk

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 9, 2026

The latest figure marks an escalation from earlier actions, including the freezing of about $344 million in cryptocurrency assets connected to Iran announced in recent days.

U.S. officials say the campaign is intended to disrupt Tehran’s ability to generate and transfer funds amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing economic restrictions.

 

CASE STUDY | How Spain’s Largest Crypto Exchange Pivot from Retail to Infrastructure for Banks and Law Enforcement is Proving Successful

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Spain has emerged as the leading retail market in Europe for euro-denominated stablecoin transactions driven by growing consumer adoption and seamless crypto-to-fiat usability, according to new data from Brighty, a digital banking platform.

Data cited shows that Spain accounted for roughly 36% of all retail transactions using Circle’s EURC stablecoin between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, alongside about 25% of total transaction volume across Europe.

The average transaction size stood at around 49 euros ($57), indicating a strong focus on everyday retail payments rather than large transfers.

Brighty Co-Founder, Nick Denisenko, said Spanish users increasingly treat EURC as equivalent to traditional euros, particularly due to its ease of use and low-friction conversion with dollar-pegged stablecoin USDC.

The growth comes as euro-backed stablecoins gain traction in the region with EURC accounting for nearly half (49%) of the total market capitalization of euro-pegged digital assets, which stands at approximately $887 million, according to CoinGecko data.

Spain’s lead highlights a broader shift toward stablecoins for retail payments in Europe as calls for dollar-pegged stablecoin alternatives increase.

 

CASE STUDY | How Spain’s Largest Crypto Exchange Pivot from Retail to Infrastructure for Banks and Law Enforcement is Proving Successful

 

In April 2026, the Finance Minister of France urged on Europe to develop more Euro-denominated stablecoins urging banks to step up efforts to counter the dominance of U.S. dollar-backed digital assets in global payments.

 

STABLECOINS | Europe Should Develop More Euro-Backed Stablecoins to Counter Dollar-Pegged Assets, Says French Finance Minister

 

2 months ago, a consortium of major European banks announced plans to launch a Euro-denominated stablecoin in the second half of 2026 in a push to offer a regulated alternative to U.S. dollar-linked digital tokens.

The stablecoin, designed to be fully backed 1:1 by Euros, is expected to hold reserves comprising bank deposits and high-quality short-term euro-area sovereign bonds, a structure intended to support continuous redemption and liquidity from the outset.

 

STABLECOINS | A Euro Stablecoin is Coming in H2 2026

 

 

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently announced the selection of 4 companies to participate in a new stablecoin testing cohort in its regulatory sandbox allowing them to trial their stablecoin-related services under proposed regulatory frameworks in a safe, live setting.

The stablecoin sandbox cohort forms part of the FCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and growth in UK financial services.

 

REGULATION | Here Are the 4 Firms Selected to Test Stablecoin Innovation in UK Regulatory Sandbox

 

The above developments come 2 months after the European Central Bank warned that increased dominance and use of dollar-pegged stablecoins is likely to import foreign monetary conditions and weaken the monetary policy of the EU.

 

STABLECOINS | The European Central Bank Warns Increased Stablecoin Use May Weaken Monetary Policy Flows

 

 

 

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_______________________________________________

Counterfeit cryptocurrencies are already circulating in Hong Kong even as the city’s first regulated stablecoins have yet to launch, regulators warned this week.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said tokens using tickers such as “HKDAP” and “HSBC” are being marketed as if they are linked to licensed issuers, despite no approved stablecoins currently in circulation.

The warning comes as Hong Kong rolls out its new stablecoin regime, introduced in 2025, with authorities aiming to position the city as a regulated hub for digital assets. While licenses have been granted to select applicants, none of the approved entities have issued live products yet creating a gap that fraudulent actors appear to be exploiting.

 

PRESS RELEASE | The Hong Kong Monetary Authority Grants First Stablecoin Licenses to HSBC and AnchorPoint

 

Both firms referenced in promotional materials tied to the fake tokens have publicly stated they have not launched any stablecoins, the HKMA said, urging investors to rely only on official communications and regulated channels.

The regulator warned the public to remain vigilant against scams highlighting the risks of premature market activity ahead of official launches. Industry participants expect the first compliant Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoins to go live later in 2026, potentially around a major fintech event, likely the Hong Kong fintech week in November 2026.

 

STABLECOINS | The Fastest Growing Stablecoin in 2025 Pushes into Africa

 

 

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________________________________________________

Decentralized finance (DeFi), once pitched as a system to replace traditional intermediaries, is facing mounting pressure as security failures, capital flight and growing institutional influence reshape the sector, according to a recent analysis.

The original promise of DeFi – that users could control their own assets through transparent, code-driven systems without reliance on banks – helped fuel rapid growth after 2020. But that vision is now under strain as the ecosystem struggles to deliver on key expectations, the report said.

 

REALITY CHECK | Lack of On-Chain Privacy Risks Holding Back Business, Corporate Payments, Says Founder, Binance

“Imagine a company pays employees in crypto on-chain. With the current state of crypto, you can pretty much see how much everyone in the company is paid by clicking…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 16, 2026

A surge in exploits has eroded confidence with DeFi hacks costing significantly more per dollar moved than breaches in traditional finance highlighting structural vulnerabilities in smart contract systems and liquidity pools.

Since 2023, DeFi has lost ~$7 billion to hacks with losses rising in recent years.

The sector has also seen sharp outflows following major incidents with billions of dollars withdrawn in recent weeks amid what analysts describe as ‘bank-run’ dynamics triggered by large-scale exploits and cascading losses across protocols.

 

DeFi | AAVE TVL Drops Over 50% After the Kelp DAO Exploit

 

At the same time, large financial institutions are increasingly entering the space bringing

tokenization,

regulated products and

institutional capital

that mirror traditional financial structures.

Critics argue this shift risks undermining DeFi’s founding principles by reintroducing centralized control into systems designed to avoid it. DeFi’s promise of an alternative trust model is further eroded by the introduction of intermediate and 3rd-parties that are increasingly starting to intervene to save the industry while centralization.

 

DeFi | Arbitrum Freezes Over 30, 000 ETH Tied to Kelp DAO Exploit Sparking Decentralization Debate

 

The growing overlap between DeFi and traditional finance is raising concerns that the industry is evolving into a hybrid model, rather than a true alternative, with

governance,

liquidity and

infrastructure

increasingly influenced by large players.

While some analysts maintain that decentralized finance remains a critical innovation, the current trajectory suggests the sector may be moving away from its original ethos toward a more institutionalized framework.

The coming years will likely determine whether DeFi can rebuild trust and decentralization or whether it becomes absorbed into the very financial system it set out to replace.

 

INSTITUTIONAL | ‘DeFi Exploits, Limited Growth Are Holding Back Institutional Adoption,’ Says America’s Largest Bank

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Decentralized finance (DeFi), once pitched as a system to replace traditional intermediaries, is facing mounting pressure as security failures, capital flight and growing institutional influence reshape the sector, according to a recent analysis.

The original promise of DeFi – that users could control their own assets through transparent, code-driven systems without reliance on banks – helped fuel rapid growth after 2020. But that vision is now under strain as the ecosystem struggles to deliver on key expectations, the report said.

 

REALITY CHECK | Lack of On-Chain Privacy Risks Holding Back Business, Corporate Payments, Says Founder, Binance

“Imagine a company pays employees in crypto on-chain. With the current state of crypto, you can pretty much see how much everyone in the company is paid by clicking…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 16, 2026

A surge in exploits has eroded confidence with DeFi hacks costing significantly more per dollar moved than breaches in traditional finance highlighting structural vulnerabilities in smart contract systems and liquidity pools.

Since 2023, DeFi has lost ~$7 billion to hacks with losses rising in recent years.

The sector has also seen sharp outflows following major incidents with billions of dollars withdrawn in recent weeks amid what analysts describe as ‘bank-run’ dynamics triggered by large-scale exploits and cascading losses across protocols.

 

DeFi | AAVE TVL Drops Over 50% After the Kelp DAO Exploit

 

At the same time, large financial institutions are increasingly entering the space bringing

tokenization,

regulated products and

institutional capital

that mirror traditional financial structures.

Critics argue this shift risks undermining DeFi’s founding principles by reintroducing centralized control into systems designed to avoid it. DeFi’s promise of an alternative trust model is further eroded by the introduction of intermediate and 3rd-parties that are increasingly starting to intervene to save the industry while centralization.

 

DeFi | Arbitrum Freezes Over 30, 000 ETH Tied to Kelp DAO Exploit Sparking Decentralization Debate

 

The growing overlap between DeFi and traditional finance is raising concerns that the industry is evolving into a hybrid model, rather than a true alternative, with

governance,

liquidity and

infrastructure

increasingly influenced by large players.

While some analysts maintain that decentralized finance remains a critical innovation, the current trajectory suggests the sector may be moving away from its original ethos toward a more institutionalized framework.

The coming years will likely determine whether DeFi can rebuild trust and decentralization or whether it becomes absorbed into the very financial system it set out to replace.

 

INSTITUTIONAL | ‘DeFi Exploits, Limited Growth Are Holding Back Institutional Adoption,’ Says America’s Largest Bank

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Canada has proposed banning cryptocurrency automated teller machines (ATMs), saying the devices have become a key channel for fraud and money laundering rather than a convenient tool for retail users, according to the government’s latest economic update.

The proposal, outlined in the Spring Economic Update 2026 released on April 28 2026, describes crypto ATMs as a ‘primary method‘ used by scammers to defraud victims and by criminals to move illicit proceeds into the digital asset ecosystem.

Officials said the move is part of a broader push to curb financial crime and tighten oversight of high-risk areas within the crypto sector as fraud cases involving such machines continue to rise.

Canada currently hosts nearly 4,000 crypto ATMs, one of the highest concentrations globally, a factor authorities say has increased the country’s exposure to scams targeting individuals.

Under the proposal, Canadians would still be able to purchase cryptocurrencies through regulated, in-person money service businesses, even as standalone kiosks in locations such as convenience stores and gas stations are phased out.

The government has not yet provided detailed timelines for the ban but signaled it forms part of a wider crackdown on illicit financial activity linked to digital assets.

 

REGULATION | Second U.S State Bans Crypto ATMs Due to Fraud

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Meta Platforms has begun paying some content creators using a dollar-pegged stablecoin in a pilot program supported by payments firm, Stripe, marking its latest push into digital payments after past regulatory setbacks.

The company is offering payouts in USDC, a stablecoin issued by Circle, with transactions running on the Solana and Polygon blockchains, according to reports.

The feature is being rolled out initially to selected creators in countries, including Colombia and the Philippines, where traditional cross-border payouts can be slow or costly.

 

STABLECOINS | Meta is Quietly Testing 3rd-Party Stablecoin Payments for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

 

Payments are processed through Stripe’s infrastructure allowing creators to receive funds directly in crypto wallets which can later be converted into local currency via exchanges.

The move underscores Meta’s shift toward partnering with external providers rather than issuing its own cryptocurrency following the collapse of its earlier Libra (later Diem) project amid regulatory opposition.

Stablecoins, which are designed to maintain a fixed value typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, have gained traction for cross-border payments due to their speed and lower costs compared to traditional banking rails.

Meta is expected to expand the stablecoin payout option to more users and markets over time, potentially leveraging its billions of users across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to scale digital payments globally.

 

REGULATION | USDC Stablecoin Issuer, Circle, Already in Talks with Kenyan Government to Launch its Payments Network

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Japan has told real estate firms and cryptocurrency businesses to tighten anti-money laundering (AML) checks on property transactions involving digital assets, citing growing risks that such deals could be used to move illicit funds.

In a joint notice,

The Financial Services Agency,

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,

National Police Agency, and

Ministry of Finance

called for stricter oversight of crypto-linked property deals, marking a coordinated push across regulators.

 

REGULATION | South Korean Exchange, CoinOne, Fined ~3.5 Million and 3-Month Suspension Over AML, KYC Failures

 

Authorities said cryptocurrencies pose a “high risk” in real estate transactions because they can be transferred quickly across borders and are harder to trace than traditional bank payments, making them attractive for money laundering.

Under the guidance, real estate agents must

conduct identity checks on buyers and sellers,

verify the source of funds and

file suspicious transaction reports,

aligning their obligations with bank-level AML standards.

 

CASE STUDY | AML Lessons from the OKX Penalty of Over $500 Million

 

The agencies also warned that intermediaries converting crypto into yen on behalf of clients could be deemed to be operating unregistered exchanges under Japan’s Payment Services Act, exposing them to enforcement action.

Crypto exchanges were instructed to monitor large or unusual transfers linked to property sales and flag activity inconsistent with customers’ financial profiles.

The move comes as regulators globally step up scrutiny of digital assets, particularly in sectors such as real estate that have historically been vulnerable to money laundering due to the size and opacity of transactions.

Japan has also reiterated existing reporting requirements, including rules mandating disclosure of large cross-border crypto transfers, as part of a broader effort to align its financial system with international AML standards.

 

REGULATION | ‘Proceeds of Crime Are Laundered and Concealed Within Real Estate or Cryptocurrency in Kenya,’ Says Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)

 

 

 

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Binance has announced it is disabling trading in Ethiopian Birr starting on May 15 2026.

Accoding to the announcement, Binance said the suspension comes following regulatory pressure.

The suspension comes just 2 months after the the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of facilitating human trafficking networks and other activities such as gold smuggling, narcotics trade and fuel contraband across parts of the country with significant funds channelled into digital wallet platforms and crypto exchanges, including Binance.

The suspension also comes barely 2 months after the National Bank of Ethiopia said Birr-paired P2P transactions are prohibited and illegal in the country.

 

REGULATION | Bank of Ethiopia Warns ‘Birr-Paired P2P Crypto Transactions Are Prohibited’

 

In a public notice, the National Bank of Ethiopia (which is the Central Bank of Ethiopia), said:

“Under the current regulatory framework, the use of Bill-paired P2P arrangements on trading platforms, exchanges, or similar services and products is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

Any form of Birr denominated P2P trading or exchange involving cryptocurrencies is prohibited.”

 

The bank listed some of the risks associated with P2P trading including:

Significant volatility of virtual assets

Exposure to foreign exchange price manipulation

Fraud

Scams

Operational risks, and

The absence of key safeguards such as Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism protections commonly found in regulated financial systems.

 

The notice went further and warned:

“Recent international experiences have also shown that certain P2P platforms and crypto asset exchanges have faced financial and technical challenges, in some cases restricting users’ access to their funds.

Such developments highlight the need for the public to carefully assess whether these assets are consistent with their financial objecties and risk tolerance.”

 

Binance runs the largest crypto P2P platform across Africa and has recently faced legal action over AML an CFT deficiencies.

In April 2026, multiple Binance accounts were frozen at the request of law enforcement following AML and TF violations.

 

REGULATION | Binance Reportedly Freezing P2P User Accounts in Kenya at the Request of Law Enforcement

 

 

 

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The Central Bank of Kenya is hiring for senior and mid-level roles focused on licensing and compliance of virtual asset firms as the country prepares to implement its first comprehensive crypto regulations.

The regulator has advertised four positions within its Digital Payment Services Division, including a manager for virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing, deputy managers for licensing and oversight, and a senior business analyst. The roles close on May 18, according to listings on the bank’s careers portal.

The hiring marks the first time the central bank has created roles dedicated specifically to supervising VASPs, signalling efforts to build internal capacity ahead of a formal regulatory rollout.

 

REGULATION | Draft Rules for Stablecoin Issuance in Kenya Stipulate ~$4 Million Minimum Paid-Up Capital

 

The manager-level roles will lead

licensing efforts,

reviewing applications,

recommending approvals or rejections, and

helping develop operating procedures for the new regime.

The @CBKKenya advertises open positions for managerial-level roles ahead of the upcoming #VASPKE regulations.

> Link to Opportunities: https://t.co/LrzrOOUx82

> Draft Regulations: https://t.co/K7daiqq1Gf#CryptoKE #VirtualAssetsKE #VASPActKE #BitcoinKE pic.twitter.com/mGsJq1G71G

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 29, 2026

Deputy managers and analysts will handle

application reviews,

product approvals and

compliance oversight, including risk-based supervision and anti-money laundering checks.

The @CBKKenya advertises open positions for #analytical-level roles ahead of the upcoming #VASPKE regulations.

> Link to Opportunities: https://t.co/LrzrOOUx82

> Draft Regulations: https://t.co/K7daiqq1Gf #CryptoKE #VirtualAssetsKE #VASPActKE #BitcoinKE pic.twitter.com/Tqm4W4HpeA

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 29, 2026

The recruitment drive follows the passage of Kenya’s Virtual Asset Service Providers Act in October 2025, which created a legal framework for crypto-related activities. However, detailed regulations needed to operationalise the law are still pending after a public consultation process led by the National Treasury earlier this year.

Under the proposed framework, the central bank will oversee virtual assets used for payments, working alongside agencies such as the Capital Markets Authority and the Financial Reporting Centre in a multi-agency coordination structure.

The new roles require experience in banking, payments or financial services, with emphasis on risk management, compliance and familiarity with emerging digital asset technologies, reflecting the technical demands of supervising the sector.

Kenya joins a growing number of African countries moving to regulate virtual assets, even as gaps between legislation and implementation persist across the region.

 

REGULATION | ~50 Virtual Asset Firms Looking to Set up Regional HQs in Kenya, Says Nairobi International Finance Center (NIFC)

 

 

 

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_________________________________________

Public blockchains may be exposing more than they protect, according to a new opinion piece, which argues that the transparency underpinning crypto networks could hand competitors valuable business intelligence.

In a recent article, Paul Brody, the Founder & CEO of Nightfall Networks, a blockchain tech firm focussed on building robust privacy systems for enterprise users, said every blockchain transaction effectively reveals operational data – from payment flows to supplier relationships – creating what amounts to an ‘open book’ for rivals.

Paul Brody at EY

Unlike traditional financial systems, where transaction data is largely private, blockchain-based systems record activity on publicly accessible ledgers. That transparency, long promoted as a trust-building feature, may instead expose sensitive commercial patterns, including

pricing strategies,

customer behavior and

treasury movements.

The piece argues that as artificial intelligence tools become more advanced, the ability to analyze on-chain data at scale will intensify these risks. Firms could increasingly use automated systems and AI agents to extract insights from competitors’ blockchain activity, potentially eroding any informational advantage.

 

AI | Crypto is Built for AI Agents, Not Humans, Says Leading Blockchain Infrastructure Firm

 

This is not new. It is about to get much, much faster.

Companies have always leaked intelligence. iFixit has built a business around tearing apart every major new electronics product within days of launch, exposing components, likely bill-of-materials costs, and manufacturing approaches for anyone to study. Satellite imagery firms already track everything from warehouse activity to crop yields to oil tanker movements, selling the insights to hedge funds and competitors alike. Specialized competitive intelligence firms have long mapped supply chains and reverse-engineered pricing strategies.

What’s different now is the synthesis. Each of these data streams, taken alone, tells a partial story. An agentic system can pull them all together — public filings, onchain transaction flows, satellite data, job postings, patent applications, shipping records — and deliver not just raw data about your competition but a coherent picture of their strategic road map, updated continuously.

The question this forces is not whether competitors will know more. They will. The question is: what should companies do about it?

 

REALITY CHECK | Lack of On-Chain Privacy Risks Holding Back Business, Corporate Payments, Says Founder, Binance

 

This dynamic presents a growing challenge for companies experimenting with blockchain-based payments, treasury management or decentralized finance. While such systems can reduce reliance on intermediaries and improve efficiency, they may also force firms to weigh those benefits against the cost of revealing strategic data.

The author notes that this trade-off is becoming more significant as blockchain adoption expands beyond crypto-native firms into mainstream commerce and financial services.

 

What’s genuinely left to protect?

Strip away strategy, strip away the broad strokes of execution, and what remains is operational detail. Not what components are in a product, but what the company is paying for them. Not that a company has a supply chain, but the specific terms, conditions, volume commitments, and quality management processes that make one supply chain faster or cheaper than the next. The granular, day-to-day mechanics of how the machine actually runs.

This is the data that creates a durable competitive advantage. And in an era of agentic commerce, it’s precisely the data most at risk — because it’s flowing through the same blockchain infrastructure that agents use to transact.

 

The article concludes that businesses may need to rethink how they use public blockchains, or adopt privacy-enhancing technologies, if they want to avoid unintentionally sharing competitive intelligence in an increasingly data-driven market.

 

If enterprise agents are executing procurement contracts, managing supplier relationships, and orchestrating logistics on public blockchains without privacy, those enterprises are broadcasting their operational playbook to every competitor running an analytical agent. The very system designed to drive efficiency becomes the system that strips away the competitive moat.

The answer isn’t to avoid blockchains – the efficiency and automation benefits are too significant. The answer is to demand privacy as foundational infrastructure, built in from the start, not bolted on as an afterthought.

The companies that will thrive aren’t the ones that try to hide everything — that’s a losing game. They’re the ones that will clearly distinguish between what can’t be secret (strategy, product design, market positioning) and what must be (operational mechanics, pricing terms, supplier relationships), and then invest seriously in the infrastructure to protect what matters.

 

EXPERT OPINION | Why Purpose-Built Blockchains Are on the Rise

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Block Inc. has unveiled a Bitcoin proof-of-reserves system allowing users and investors to independently verify the company’s holdings on-chain in a move aimed at boosting transparency and trust in its crypto operations.

The system covers Block’s corporate Bitcoin treasury as well as balances tied to its Cash App and Square businesses enabling public verification through cryptographic signatures rather than relying on company disclosures alone.

Block said the initiative reflects a broader principle that users should not have to trust custodians blindly but should be able to verify asset holdings themselves.

The rollout comes amid a wider industry push toward proof-of-reserves, a mechanism that allows crypto firms to demonstrate they hold sufficient assets to back customer balances and corporate treasuries.

Demand for such transparency accelerated after the collapse of major crypto exchange FTX in 2022 which exposed gaps in how firms accounted for and safeguarded customer funds.

Proof-of-reserves systems use cryptographic methods to let users independently confirm that assets exist and are fully backed helping address a structural trust gap in crypto markets where traditional regulatory safeguards are limited.

Block joins a growing list of firms adopting the approach. Exchanges such as Kraken and Binance have introduced similar systems or audits to reassure users that deposits are fully backed and accessible.

 

Binance Releases Audit of Bitcoin Reserves and Launches Asset Verification Tool

 

For companies, publishing proof-of-reserves serves multiple purposes: rebuilding trust after industry failures, demonstrating solvency, and differentiating themselves in a market where transparency is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage.

By making its Bitcoin holdings publicly verifiable, Block is positioning itself at the forefront of that transparency push, as firms seek to attract both retail users and institutional capital wary of opaque balance sheets.

 

INSTITUTIONAL | Tether Reportedly Taps KPMG for First Full Audit in Bid to Boost Transparency

 

 

 

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_________________________________________

African cross-border payments firm, JuicyWay, has been registered as a payment service provider under Canada’s Retail Payment Activities Act marking a step into one of the world’s most tightly regulated financial systems.

The approval, granted following a regulatory review by the Bank of Canada, allows the company to operate under a framework that came into force in 2024 and places retail payments directly under central bank supervision.

 

FUNDING | Nigerian Fintech, JuicyWay, Raises $3 Million to Provide FX Exchange Using Stablecoins

 

Canada’s regime requires firms to meet strict standards on operational risk management, safeguarding of user funds and business continuity. The rules have already been enforced with at least one provider ordered to halt operations earlier this year over failures in protecting customer funds.

JuicyWay said the registration reflects a strategy of building regulatory compliance ahead of launching products in new markets rather than adapting after entry. The company plans to roll out services tied to the Canadian corridor on infrastructure already reviewed by regulators.

Canada hosts one of North America’s largest African diaspora populations driving demand for cross-border payment services linking the country with African markets.

Founded in 2021, JuicyWay provides global payment and multi-currency services for businesses and individuals. The firm says it has processed more than $4 billion in transaction volume, serving over 2,200 enterprises and 17,000 users across Africa and international markets.

 

STABLECOINS | Nigerian Fintech, Kredete, Partners with VISA to Expand Stablecoin Card Innovation Across Africa and the Gulf

 

 

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___________________________________________

South African Bitcoin payments firm, MoneyBadger, has welcomed the release of draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 but raised concerns about aspects of the public consultation process and the scope of the proposed rules.

REGULATION | South Africa’s Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026, to Demand Limited Crypto Holdings, Mandatory Resales

The company, a licensed Crypto Asset Service Provider(CASP), said it supports efforts by National Treasury to formalise a regulatory framework for crypto assets, particularly measures aimed at clarifying rules for cross-border transactions and reducing uncertainty for service providers.

PRESS RELEASE | Scan to Pay Enables Direct Crypto Payments Through MoneyBadger Integration to Over 650,000 Merchants in South Africa

However, MoneyBadger said inconsistencies in submission deadlines and contact details for the consultation process were creating confusion among stakeholders seeking to provide feedback.

It also noted that some elements of the draft lack clarity, including unspecified thresholds and implementation details, making it difficult for businesses and the public to fully assess the potential impact of the proposals.

The firm expressed broader concerns that parts of the draft regulations extend beyond their stated focus on cross-border capital flows. According to MoneyBadger, the current proposals could restrict peer-to-peer Bitcoin transactions above an unspecified value unless conducted through a licensed provider, and could limit merchants’ ability to accept Bitcoin payments directly above that threshold.

 

The draft rules also require individuals to declare all crypto asset holdings within 30 days, with no minimum threshold, and would restrict the transfer or sale of those assets without Treasury approval. MoneyBadger said it remains unclear whether such requirements would apply to assets already held in self-custody.

In addition, the company highlighted provisions that may allow authorities, banks or licensed providers to require individuals to convert crypto holdings into rand under certain circumstances, raising questions about user control over digital assets.

MoneyBadger urged Treasury to align the regulations more closely with a risk-based approach focused on high-impact cross-border transactions, warning that overly broad rules could unintentionally affect everyday crypto use by individuals and merchants.

The company said it is engaging with industry participants and legal advisors and intends to submit a formal response as part of the consultation process.

 

REGULATION | Is Regulation Slowing Down South Africa’s Crypto Momentum?

 

 

 

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Western Union is exploring the launch of its own stablecoin as part of a broader push to overhaul how it settles cross-border payments, with CEO, Devin McGranahan, signaling the firm’s intent to move away from the traditional SWIFT network.

The 175-year-old money transfer company plans to use the stablecoin, expected to be a U.S. dollar–backed token, to handle internal settlement between agents and partners, rather than for direct consumer use. The initiative is aimed at replacing legacy correspondent banking rails with blockchain-based infrastructure that can process transactions faster and more continuously.

 

REGULATION | Western Union Signals Strong Move to Offer Crypto Services

 

McGranahan said the effort is focused on modernizing the underlying payment system, describing the shift as less about retail crypto adoption and more about improving the back-end mechanics of global transfers.

The stablecoin, reportedly called USDPT and built on the Solana blockchain, is in its final stages and could launch as early as May 2026. It would enable near-instant settlement, including outside traditional banking hours, addressing long-standing delays associated with cross-border payments.

 

STABLECOINS | Western Union Targets May 2026 for its USDPT Stablecoin Rollout

Initially, the rollout will be limited to select markets and key partners, forming part of a wider digital asset strategy that also includes a “Digital Asset Network” linking crypto wallets with Western Union’s global retail infrastructure.

 

PRESS RELEASE | Western Union Announces USDPT Stablecoin on Solana and Digital Asset Network (https://t.co/Czd5LmgiXX)https://t.co/8BAWKDcA4H #Solana

— Kobocoin (@kobocoindev) October 29, 2025

The move reflects a broader industry trend of financial institutions experimenting with stablecoins to streamline payments, reduce costs, and improve efficiency—particularly in cross-border transactions where existing systems remain slow and expensive.

 

EDITORIAL | Western Union’s Regulated USDPT Stablecoin Could Redefine Remittances in Africa

 

 

 

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Israel’s financial regulator has approved the launch of a stablecoin pegged to the national currency marking a step toward integrating digital assets into the country’s regulated financial system.

The Israel Capital Market Insurance and Savings Authority said it had granted approval for the “BILS” stablecoin, developed by local crypto firm, Bits of Gold, following a roughly two-year pilot conducted on the Solana blockchain.

 

According to the Israel Capital Market Insurance & Savings Authority:

“The offering will take place in a limited format and in a predetermined scope.”

 

The token will be fully backed by reserves held in segregated accounts within Israel, according to the regulator, with oversight aimed at ensuring compliance and financial stability.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Israel’s Finance Ministry and Tax Authority to bring crypto-related activity under clearer regulatory frameworks, including permitting certain stablecoin use cases.

According to the regulator:

The currency is pegged in value to the shekel in a ratio of 1:1, with the reserve assets held in Israel in designated and separate accounts.

The activity will be carried out under the Authority’s strict conditions, including technology risk management, information security, business continuity and ongoing reporting obligations.

The move is a complementary step to the Memorandum of the Stablecoin Law, which will soon be distributed for public comments, with the aim of regulating the entire field.

 

STABLECOINS | The Stablecoin Market Cap Surpass $320 Billion as Yield-Bearing Stables Vastly Outpace the Market

 

“This is good news for the financial market in Israel.

The coin is expected to enable money transfers on the blockchain, fast accounting between entities, and the development of advanced services while maintaining financial stability and protecting the public.”

                – Israel Capital Market Insurance & Savings Authority

 

Bits of Gold said the shekel-linked stablecoin is designed to connect Israel’s currency to global digital asset markets, enabling real-time payments, on-chain trading and programmable financial services based on a regulated local unit.

Stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies typically pegged to fiat currencies, have grown rapidly, though the market remains dominated by U.S. dollar-linked tokens.

 

MILESTONE | Iran’s Move to Charge Strait of Hormuz Crypto Tolls a ‘Significant Milestone’ for State Level Adoption, Says Chainalysis

 

 

 

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South Africa is betting that rewriting decades-old money rules could unlock one of the biggest investment opportunities in emerging markets.

The country is planning its most significant financial reform in decades, aimed at attracting global capital, strengthening Johannesburg’s position as Africa’s leading financial hub, and making it easier for international investors to deploy funds into its economy.

According to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the proposed changes could unlock as much as 10 trillion rand (about $607 billion) in investment over time, a potentially major boost for an economy that has struggled with weak growth, power shortages, and logistics challenges in recent years.

At the core of the plan is a sweeping overhaul of capital flow regulations. The reforms would replace exchange control laws dating back to 1961, with some provisions rooted as far back as the 1930s – rules originally designed for an era when governments tightly controlled currency movements and protected domestic reserves.

 

Speaking to Reuters, Vukile Davidson, deputy director-general for financial policy at National Treasury, said:

“At the time, exchange control was principally used to deal with a wide range of issues beyond just capital flows management.”

 

South Africa’s National Treasury has already published draft Capital Flow Management Regulations for public comment, marking one of the most significant shifts in financial policy since the dismantling of apartheid-era controls.

The proposals include allowing foreign-currency funds to operate locally instead of offshore, a move that could bring capital and asset management activity back into the country.

For investors, this signals a more accommodating stance from a country whose markets already dominate much of sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa hosts the continent’s largest stock exchange, one of its deepest bond markets, and highly developed banking and legal systems.

The reforms would also, for the first time, formally incorporate crypto assets into the capital controls framework. Large crypto transactions would likely be required to pass through approved intermediaries while substantial holdings and transfers could be subject to disclosure requirements.

 

REGULATION | Crypto Assets To Be Formally Incorporated into the South Africa Capital Flow Management

 

The timing is important as South Africa is one of Africa’s leading crypto markets. This coincides with the need for global investors search for yield outside developed markets amidst geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains that are ultimately restructuring capital flows.

Currently, funds that raise or report in dollars or euros must be domiciled offshore despite investment decisions being made in Johannesburg. This decision has helped financial hubs like

Mauritius

Dubai

Nairobi

Kigali

attract firms, skills, and tax revenue from South Africa.

Overall, the reform effort reflects a broader push by the government to

modernize its financial system,

attract long-term investment, and

better position South Africa

in an increasingly competitive global capital market.

 

TAXATION | The South African Revenue Service Publishes New Crypto Reporting Rules

 

 

 

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Damisa, the B2B cross-border payment and settlement platform built for emerging-market corridors, has announced a strategic partnership with dLocal, the leading cross-border payment platform connecting global merchants to emerging markets, to expand local payment settlement across Asia-Pacific.

The partnership connects Damisa to dLocal’s established local payment rails across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through a single integration. This gives Damisa’s merchant base access to local bank transfers across key markets through the same platform they already use. No additional technical integration is required for existing customers.

The expanded APAC coverage enables settlement directly into local bank accounts without the operational overhead of managing multiple provider relationships.

 

 

Emerging market challenges

Businesses operating across emerging-market corridors continue to face slow, unreliable, and costly cross-border settlement. Through this partnership, Damisa customers gain access to local APAC payment capabilities with one transparent fee, real-time tracking and settlement in hours, not days.

Damisa enables businesses to collect, hold and pay out in both fiat and stablecoins across more than 70 currencies, settling via regulated stablecoin rails while keeping the blockchain layer invisible to the end user.

dLocal enables businesses to pay and get paid across emerging markets through direct connections to local acquirers, giving access to 1,000+ local payment methods (cards, bank transfers, eWallets, and mobile money) without setting up local entities or managing separate processors. Their infrastructure handles the final mile of settlement, depositing funds directly into local bank accounts without the routing delays associated with traditional correspondent chains.

ACQUISITION | Latin American Payments Firm, dLocal, to Acquire Africa’s Crypto Remittance Fintech, AZA Finance (Formerly BitPesa)

dLocal brings proven local rail access and regulatory expertise in the APAC markets where it operates, accelerating Damisa’s regional expansion. In turn, Damisa’s growing B2B merchant base opens new settlement demand and commercial opportunity for dLocal’s network across the region.

Says Thomas Pinter, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Damisa:

 

“APAC represents one of the most significant opportunities in global B2B payments, and dLocal gives us the local rail access and regulatory footing in the APAC markets where it operates to move quickly and responsibly in the region. This partnership means our customers can reach new markets without any additional integration on their side. That is the kind of seamless expansion we are building Damisa to deliver.”

 

Says Richard Healy, Commercial VP (APAC) at dLocal:

 

“Cross-border settlement in APAC can be complex. Fragmented rails, local compliance requirements, in-country operational demands. That is exactly what our infrastructure is built to absorb. Damisa is building for corridors that have been underserved for too long, and this partnership gives them the foundation to do it at scale.”

 

 

The APAC cross-border commerce market is projected to exceed US$4 trillion by 2028, making it one of the most significant growth opportunities in global payments. With demand rising for fast, reliable, and compliant B2B settlement infrastructure, Damisa and dLocal are positioned to support businesses moving money at scale across the region.

 

 

___________

About Damisa

Damisa is a B2B cross-border payment and settlement platform built for emerging-market corridors. The platform enables businesses to collect, hold, and pay out in both fiat and stablecoins across 70+ currencies, with one transparent fee, real-time tracking, and settlement in hours, not days. Damisa is a regulated EU VASP with additional licences in progress.

 

 

About dLocal

dLocal builds financial infrastructure for markets of the future, connecting global enterprises with billions of emerging market consumers in more than 40 countries across high‑growth markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send payouts, and settle funds globally without the need to manage multiple local entities and integrations.

For more information, visit www.dlocal.com.

 

STABLECOINS | Western Union Targets May 2026 for its USDPT Stablecoin Rollout

 

 

 

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MiniPay, Opera’s self-custodial stablecoin wallet built on Celo, the Ethereum Layer 2, has introduced a new performance-based incentive program for Mini App developers, backed by up to $1 million in CELO and ecosystem grants.

The initiative is launching alongside the Mini App Roadshow, a global effort aimed at expanding support for local builders across emerging markets.

The program builds on MiniPay’s existing support for developers by adding structured financial incentives and increased in-person engagement as the ecosystem continues to scale beyond 400 million transactions.

At its core, the incentive model rewards builders based on actual onchain activity.

Developers who create Mini Apps that drive real transaction usage within MiniPay can qualify for grants distributed in CELO and other ecosystem resources. Unlike traditional funding models, there is

no committee review,

pitch competition, or

subjective selection process.

Instead, rewards are tied directly to measurable utility and usage.

In addition to financial incentives, selected builders receive

fully funded growth campaigns,

co-branded promotion across MiniPay and Opera platforms, and

hands-on support spanning product development, business strategy, and design.

The Mini App Roadshow extends this effort through in-person engagement, including community meetups, workshops, and curated founder events organized with Celo contributors and Opera teams. The goal is to identify and support local developers building products tailored to how users in their markets interact with digital financial tools.

These sessions are designed to help founders move from concept to launch while tapping into MiniPay’s user base of over 15 million wallets.

 

STABLECOINS | Tether Expands USDT Stablecoin Use in Emerging Markets Through MiniPay After LATAM Pilot

As of December 2025, @minipay reported 7 million phone-verified USDT wallets and saw roughly 300,000 unique USDT buyers in that month.

Recall that in November 2025, #MiniPay…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 3, 2026

The initiative comes as stablecoin adoption continues to accelerate, with transaction volumes surpassing $33 trillion in 2025. Much of this growth is concentrated in emerging markets where currency volatility and limited access to traditional banking make stable digital money increasingly relevant.

 

[TECH] STABLECOINS | The Stablecoin Market Cap Surpass $320 Billion as Yield-Bearing Stables Vastly Outpace the Market: Dollar-pegged stablecoins have surged to a record $320 billion in supply, underscoring .. https://t.co/J4J50hPVqC via @BitcoinKE

— Top Kenyan Blogs (@Blogs_Kenya) April 20, 2026

MiniPay’s Mini App ecosystem is designed to expand financial access by embedding third-party services directly within the wallet. Users can pay bills, purchase airtime, access local commerce, and more without leaving the app. Since its launch in 2023, MiniPay has grown to more than 15 million activated wallets across over 66 countries, supporting around 50 Mini Apps and generating over 400 million transactions.

 

AFRICA TECH SUMMIT 2025 | MiniPay Wins Web3 Award as it Surpasses 5 Million Activations in the Global South

 

The company emphasizes that scale alone does not guarantee local relevance. Different regions have unique behaviors and needs, which are best addressed by builders who understand their own communities. The Mini App framework is intended to enable these local solutions.

Early traction in Africa highlights this approach. BitGifty, launched from a hackathon without a marketing budget, reached more than one million users across ten countries and recorded over 800,000 transactions within MiniPay.

Another example, the Buy Gold Mini App, attracted hundreds of thousands of users within weeks of launch.

With the roadshow, MiniPay aims to replicate this model across other emerging markets by identifying local founders and supporting them as they bring relevant products to market.

For early-stage developers, challenges such as distribution and payments infrastructure typically require months of effort before reaching users. MiniPay addresses this by providing an integrated ecosystem where these components are already in place, alongside product, business development, and marketing support from Opera’s global experience.

Combined with Celo’s infrastructure, the platform allows developers to launch with immediate access to a large user base. Through integrations with third-party partners, users can also access additional services such as on-ramps, off-ramps, and payment solutions within the MiniPay environment.

 

How Opera’s MiniPay is Serving as a Distribution Channel for African Blockchain Startups

 

 

 

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UK authorities have carried out their first coordinated crackdown on suspected illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading, sending a clear message: once crypto activity starts to look like a business, the state expects identification, monitoring, record-keeping, and accountability.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), working alongside police and tax officials, visited eight London addresses linked to suspected unregistered crypto trading and issued cease-and-desist letters. Evidence collected during the raids is now feeding into ongoing criminal investigations, and notably, there are currently no FCA-registered peer-to-peer crypto traders in the UK.

CRYPTO CRIME | The United Kingdom Regulatory Watchdog Carries Out First Crackdown on Illegal P2P Crypto Trading

 

The operation highlights a growing tension: peer-to-peer crypto has long represented both freedom and risk.

To regulators, it resembles a blind spot – a system with fewer identity checks, limited records, and easier movement between cash, bank transfers, wallets, and stablecoins.

To users, however, that same structure is often the point. It allows direct exchange without relying on banks or centralized platforms, preserving privacy and autonomy.

REGULATION | UK Government Strategy Paper Says Fraud Accounts for Almost 50% of Offences – Labels Crypto a ‘Growing Risk’

Why Authorities are Stepping In

The core issue is anti-money laundering enforcement. When crypto trading becomes a business, it falls into the same category as other financial services. That means firms are expected to:

Verify customer identities

Monitor transactions

Keep detailed records

Report suspicious activity

These requirements are designed to prevent stolen funds, fraud proceeds, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing from moving through what appear to be ordinary transactions.

From the FCA’s perspective, an unregistered peer-to-peer desk poses the same risks as any unlicensed money-services business: it can convert illicit cash into digital assets and back again, with limited oversight.

The FCA’s anti-money-laundering (#AML) regime explicitly names “cryptoasset exchange providers,” including #P2P providers, as firms that can fall inside the rules.

A person who #repeatedly #buys and #sells #crypto for others, advertises a service, handles customer money, or… pic.twitter.com/ncRFWFk9CM

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 27, 2026

Crypto Ecosystem Slowly Resembling the Financial System 

The crackdown raises a broader concern. As crypto is forced into compliance with traditional financial rules, it begins to resemble the system it was originally built to bypass.

Making crypto safer, in practice, often means making it:

more traceable by holding and transferring value through recognized and permissioned institutions.

less accessible by making it available to the unbanked, those who lack standard documentation, those who live between jurisdictions, or work in cash-heavy industries.

less private by linking a real person to a wallet, a bank account, a device, and a trading history.

But reducing those controls would reopen the very risks regulators are trying to contain.

This creates a difficult trade-off:

More regulation brings legitimacy and safety

Less regulation preserves privacy and financial independence

The UK raids make that tension explicit. They don’t just target illegal activity, they also narrow the space where crypto can function outside the boundaries of the traditional financial system.

The UK is definitely right on the law and on enforcement that makes crypto more like a financial system that is easy to monitor, track, and control.

 

REGULATION | Binance Reportedly Freezing P2P User Accounts in Kenya at the Request of Law Enforcement

 

 

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